Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1887-07-13
The President and the G. A. R.
EXECUTIVE MANSION,
WASHINGTON. July 4, 1886.

Hon. David r. Francis, Mayor and Chair
man.
DEAR SIR.-When I received the ex-
tremely cordial and gratifying invitation
from the citizens of St. Louis, rendered by
a number of her representative men, to
visit that city during the National Encamp
ment of the Grand Army Of the Republic,
1 had been contemplating for some time
the acceptance of an invitation from that
organization to the same effect, and had
considered the pleasure it would afford me,
if it should be possible, to meet not only
the members of the Grand Army of the
Republic, but the people of st. Louis and
other cities in the West, which the occasion
would give me an opportunity to visit.
The exactions of my public duties l felt
to be so uncertain, however, that when
first confronted by the delegation of which
YOU were the head, expected to do no
more at that time than to promise the con-
sideration of the double invitation rendered
me, and express the pleasure it would give
me to accept the same thereafter, if posi-
BILE. But the cordiality and sincerity of
your presentation, reinforced by the hearth
ness of the good people who surrounded
YOU, SO impressed me that could not re-
sist the feeling which prompted me to as
sure you on the spot that would be with
YOU and the Grand Army of the Republic
at the time designated, if nothing happened
in the meantime to absolutely prevent my
leaving Washington.
Immediately upon the public announce
ment of this conclusion expressions emana-
ting from certain important members of
the Grand Army of the Republic, and in
creasing in volume and yirulence, con-
strained me to review my acceptance Of
these invitations.
The expressions referred to 90 to the ex-
tent Of declaring that would be an unwel-
come guest at the time and place of the
National Encampment. This Statement is
based, as well as l can judge, upon certain
official acts of mine, involving important
public interests, done under the restraints
and obligations Of my oath of office, which
do not appear to accord with the wishes of
some members of the Grand Army of the
Republic.
refuse to believe that this organization,
founded upon patriotic ideas, composed
very largely Of men entitled to lasting hon.
or and consideration and whaSe browning
glory it should be that they are American
citizens as well as veteran soldiers, deems
it part of it's mission to compass any OBJ
the Executive or coerce those charged with
making and executing the laws. And yet
the expressions to which I have referred
indicate such prevalence of unfriendly
feeling and such menace to an occasion
which should be harmonious, peaceful and
cordial, that they cannot be ignored,
beg you to understand that AIN not
conscious of any act of mine. which should
1za, Foo TO ho n A nj
the Republic or any other assemblage of
my ellow-citizens. The account of my Of
| fetal stewardship is always ready for pres
entation to my countrymen.
| shOull not be frank if failed to con-
fess, while disclainling all recruitment, that
/ have been hurt by the unworthy and
wanton attacks upon me growing out of
| this matter, and the reckless manner in
which my actions and motives have been
misrepresented, both publicly and private
| ", for which, however, the Grand Army
Of the Republic, as a body, is by no means
responsible.
| The threats of personal violence and
harm in case | undertake the trip in ques-
ton which scores of misguided, unbalanced
men under the stimulation of excited feel
ing have made are not even considered.
| Rather than abandon my visit to the
| West and Gisappoint your citizens, might,
if alone were CONCERNED, submit to the
insult to which, it is quito openly asserted,
1 would be helplessly subjected if present
at the encampment. But | should bear
with me there the peoples highest office,
the dignity of which / must protect. and l
believe that naither the Grand Army of the
| Republic as an Organization, nor anything
like majority of its members, would ever
encourage any scandalous attack upon it,
If, however, among the membership of
| this body there are some, as certainly seems
to be the case, determine to denounce me
and my official acts at the National En-
campment, believe they should be per-
mitted to do SO unrestrained by my presence
as 4 guest of their organization or as a
guest of the hospitable city in which their
meeting is held.
A number of Grand Army posts have sig
nifed their intention, am informed, to re-
main away from the encampment in case
visit the city at that time. Without con-
sideriug the merits of such an excuse, feel
that | ought not to be the cause Of such
non attendance. The time and place Of
the encampment were fixed long before my
invitations were received Those desiring
to participate in it's proceedings should be
first regarded and nothing should be per-
mitted to interfere with their intentions
Another consideration, of more impor-
lance than all others, remains to be
noticed. The fact was referred to by you
when you verbally presented the invitation
of the citizens of St. Louis that the coming
encampment Of the Grand Army of the Re-
public would be the first held in Southern
State. / suppose this fact was mentioned
as a plsasing Indication OF the fraternal
feeling SO fast gaining ground throughout
the entire land and hailed by every patrl-
otto citizen as an earnest that the Union
has really and in fact been saved in senti-
ment and spirit with all the benefits it
vouchsafes to a united people.
I cannot rid myself of the belief that the
least discord on this propitious occasion
might retard the progress of the sentiment
of common brotherhood which the Grand
Army of the Republic has SO good an oppor-
tunity to increase and foster. | certainly
ought not to be the cause of such discord in
any event or upon any pretext,
1t seems to me that you and the citizens
of St. Louis are entitled to this uEreserved
statement of the conditions which have con-
strained me to foIego my contemplated
visit and to withdraw my acceptance of
your invitation. My presence in your city
at the time you have indicated can be OF
but little moment compared with the i'm
portauce OF cordial and harmonious en-
tertainment Of your other guests
assure you that abandon my plan with
out the least personal feeling except regret,
constrained thereto by sense of duty, act
uated by desire to save any embarrass-
ment to the people Of ST. Louis or their ex
pected guests and with a heart full OF CRATE
full appreciation Of the sincere and unaffect-
ed kindness of your city MS.
Hoping the encam pn,ant may be an occa
sion Of much useiEi ness, and that it's pro
ceedings may illustrate the highest patri-
otism of American citizenship, / am yours
very sincerely,
GROVER CLEVELAND.
Tile GIInS DE 1rLr OUIa liQAn y